Abstract

HIDALGO-GARCIA, Jorge Arturo; CEDENO-VAZQUEZ, José Rogelio; LUNA-REYES, Roberto  and  GONZALEZ-SOLIS, David. Modelling the geographic distribution modelling of four venomous snakes and their social perception in the southeastern Altiplanicie de Chiapas. Acta Zool. Mex [online]. 2018, vol.34, e3412111.  Epub Oct 24, 2018. ISSN 2448-8445.  https://doi.org/10.21829/azm.2018.3412111.

Current and potential distribution models were developed for four species of venomous snakes (Bothriechis aurifer, Crotalus simus, Micrurus diastema and M. elegans) inhabiting the southeastern area of the Altiplanicie de Chiapas. These species are included within risk categories in the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, their precise distribution is unknown and they are of medical importance. The distribution models were obtained with MaxEnt algorithm, using records obtained from voucher specimens of national and foreign museums, searches in the internet, scientific literature and field sampling. In addition, occurence of each of species in the protected natural areas was determined. Interviews were also conducted to determine the perception and relationship of venomous snakes with human populations. Some geographical barriers, such as the Valle del Río Motagua, limits the distribution of M. elegans and B. aurifer, while the Istmo de Tehuantepec does for C. simus. Bothriechis aurifer is the most vulnerable species because of its restricted distribution and scarce occurrence in the protected natural areas. It was concluded that bites of poisonous snakes are frequent in some localities. Crotalus simus is pursued because of its traditional medicinal use. This information is important as a basis for implementing environmental education programs and management action that contribute to the conservation of the species.

Keywords : Risk category; medical importance; MaxEnt; surveys; Natural Protected Areas.